New Mexico – Texas Wants You

We've been hearing for years that El Paso could/should leave Texas and join New Mexico. Now here's another spin on a Tex - New Mex merger ...

The odds of this new plan happening are about as high as the chances that El Paso could become El Paso, New Mexico. Be that as it may, there is a genuine push on right now for Texas to annex a couple of New Mexico counties. At the heart of the matter is, not surprisingly, oil.

The idea of El Paso moving to New Mexico has been bounced around before and does have its pros and cons. For example: Pro - We'd be the 2nd biggest city in the state. Con - We'd pay a state income tax.

Why Does Texas Want 2 New Mexico Counties?

In a word, money. In 2, more descriptive words, oil money. Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows said :

"Southeast New Mexico deserves a real voice in its own future, not one dictated by Santa Fe. This conversation is ultimately about culture, opportunity, and the right to choose a path that reflects the shared values of the Permian and Delaware basins. - koat

READ MORE: Why Is El Paso In Texas?

What Are The Odds Of Texas And New Mexico Swapping Counties?

Pretty low. At least 15% of local voters would have to sign a petition to even get things started. (This is where the idea probably dies.) Then, the New Mexico legislature has to agree. Insanely doubtful.

Then, the Texas legislature has to ok it. Very doubtful. Probably more likely then NM but, still, a longshot. Finally, it has to get past the U.S. Congress. Bottom line; I wouldn't worry about it

Would These New Mexico Counties Want To Be Texas?

Sounds crazy right? Lea County and Roosevelt County are the areas in question but, believe it or not, some in Otero County are for it. According to 2nd Life Media:

Eastern New Mexico counties, rich in oil and gas resources from the Permian Basin, have long voiced concerns over taxes, regulations, and policy differences with Santa Fe.

What Are The Odds Of Texas And New Mexico Swapping Counties?

Pretty low. At least 15% of local voters would have to sign a petition to even get things started. (This is where the idea probably dies.) Then, the New Mexico legislature has to agree. Insanely doubtful.

Then, the Texas legislature has to ok it. Very doubtful. Probably more likely then NM but, still, a longshot. Finally, it has to get past the U.S. Congress. Bottom line; I wouldn't worry about it.

How Would Texas Getting Otero County Affect El Paso?

If Otero county goes full Texan, most of Chaparral turns Texan. The other half is in Dona Ana county which Texas doesn't seem interested in. If Texas did get it though; we'd also get Las Cruces, Santa Teresa, Hatch, Mesilla and others. Including Sunland Park ...

What If Texas Gets Sunland Park?

No more dispensaries. Which is why this absolutely cannot happen. If Texas does try, everybody vote no. Pretty please!?